198 Responses

1. August 16, 2007

   CJM

   #1

2. August 16, 2007

   Bwizzle

   Top 5…yippy.

3. August 16, 2007

   Aheadwithwings

   2!

4. August 16, 2007

   Aheadwithwings

   oh just missed it oh well maybie 2 top 5’s

5. August 16, 2007

   Ms Canada

   13 days! 13 days! 13 days!

6. August 16, 2007

   waibeans

   early today we are.

7. August 16, 2007

   waibeans

   do that “smoke a little sumem sumem” again. very good “impression” there gv

8. August 16, 2007

   Sassodoro

   Top ten?

9. August 16, 2007

   Matt N.

   Woo hoo top 10!

10. August 16, 2007

    grape_ape

    in!

11. August 16, 2007

    Brian K

    #10

12. August 16, 2007

    BK

    GV, nice ep. The Ferrari Carano is a summer staple of mine, cheap and easy drinking. Not life changing but I think it has good QPR.

13. August 16, 2007

    Fingerlaker

    Got my new wristband yest and a case of wine delivered today…. ahhh what a great vacation!

14. August 16, 2007

    Jeffrey

    13 days to new corkd?

15. August 16, 2007

    Jen

    QOTD: I pretty much go for it, whenever I get the urge — no unfufilled dreams so far!

16. August 16, 2007

    KAHUNA

    Back in the day(1990) I used to buy 1.5’s of cab and 1.5’s of Merlot and blend them together also-

    I actually think you should really do it more often- Isn’t the goal to get a better drinking product?

    QOTD: Getting to Sonoma/Napa and make my own wine there as opposed to buyinf subpar grapes that have been trucked to NJ

17. August 16, 2007

    Adria

    nice blending technique! gotta say, i’ve made some “rose” in my time by putting white wine in a previously used red glass. never seen it done on purpose though…

    QOTD: Ideally, I’d like to harvest for a vineyard in NZ at some point in my life. Get really close to the earth, understand wine on a different level.

18. August 16, 2007

    Shadowbird

    QOTD: Move out of Oklahoma.

19. August 16, 2007

    damon aka unknownwine

    I’ll have to echo you on the QOTD Kahuna. I’ll meet you out there at harvest sometime. When my 2 yr old is in college….

    oak baaaad for SB.

20. August 16, 2007

    Rob in Indy

    Gary, you aren’t changing the wine world.. you are standing it on it’s head.. Most of all, you are influencing the price of those Thundercats. I wish I had a few to sell online now. Great show as always.

21. August 16, 2007

    Moselman

    Missed opportunity – being No. 10 (logged in with 9 comments on board). Ah well, some ladies know I’m a 10!

    QOTD: Long, long-time regret – not having the smarts or chutzpah to get into medical school.

    Recent disappointment – not having the opportunity to improve GV’s French pronunciation. Me, I have no palate and can’t taste any of these flavours in the wine; result of losing too many taste buds freeing tongue frozen to hockey nets, school railings etc. I think. But it appears that Gary’s incredible nose and palate must be at the expense of a tin ear. Surely he deals with enough Francophones in his business to pick up at least a couple of nuances of the beautiful language.

    Love ya’ just the same, Gar
    Great props for what you’re doing!

22. August 16, 2007

    Greg

    top 20!

23. August 16, 2007

    carnyc

    Thanks again for the tidbits. I’ve become the (perceived) resident wine expert amongst my friends b/c of what you have taught and continue to teach us all here.

    QOTD: I regret not doing something in my work for which I have passion. Sometimes a good salary just isn’t enough. Congrats to you for creating the opportunity and having the tenacity to marry the both!

24. August 16, 2007

    Deano

    Nice show gary i am going to look for that st jean in my area.

    QOTD:
    -Start my own business instead of work the day to day routine i do now.

25. August 16, 2007

    italianwinelover

    Nice imitation of the smoke!!! and your blending techniques rock!!

    QOTD: Starting my own business my 2 passions, horses & wine that is why when I visited Sonoma I felt like I was in heave. Want to open a wine store but don’t have the money to do so…have the knowledge so I work in one instead, but tired of making other people rich.

    Great episode you are standing the wine industry on its head!!!

26. August 16, 2007

    Jimkay

    Yeah! Love the Ch. St. Jean. Guilt free drinker.

27. August 16, 2007

    mas

    Another great ep Gary – I really love your approach and the subtle but recent emphasis on some of the educational facts. You are very responsive to your audience – congrats!

    QOTD: Hindsight is always 20/20 – if I could do it again and support my family the way I do today, I’d be a winemaker. Pure and simple. Making wine at home is OK and maybe I’ll get that home vineyard planted someday, but being in the mix would be something special … maybe for retirement …

28. August 16, 2007

    Jason Coulston

    We sold the hell out of Chateau St. Jean’s Fume Blanc back in the earJust seeing that label brings me back! I was absolutely in love with the juice back in the day when I was under 20 years old, but now? I haven’t even thought about them in years. Why do I remember believing that Fume Blanc was aged in over-toasted oak barrels? Man, my memory is foggy. If I’m going Sauvignon Blanc, I’m going to Bordeaux or to a couple of select United States producers that are producing bone dry and mineral-rich old-world style wines (see ‘Georgia’ by Lail or Orin Swift’s delicious ‘Veladora’).

    Long live Thundercats . . . and you are NOT alone as an adult collector. If you saw my collection of vintage Kenner M.A.S.K., Indiana Jones, and Star Wars prototypes you’d probably crack up.

29. August 16, 2007

    Driscool

    Hey Gary, I’m a first time poster, long time lurker from OZ. Can’t believe you actually sent one of those wrist bands all the way out here!! I signed up to get one of those things without really expecting that you’d actually do it, but u did it. You’re the real deal, dude. I will lurk no more

    QOTD – I’ve pretty much been able to do everything I’ve really wanted to do, pretty lucky that way I guess. Life’s pretty good down under

30. August 16, 2007

    Jason Coulston

    Hmm . . . typos in my post. That should read:

    We sold the hell out of Chateau St. Jean’s Fume Blanc back in the early nineties when I was working at Topaz Cafe and Zuni Grill in Orange County. Just seeing that label brings me back!

31. August 16, 2007

    Joe S

    Love Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed the show. In the past I thought the Dry Creek was a bit better than you discribed but it has been several years since I have had one. The Cht St. Jeaan is always a favorite.

    There is no reason not to blend wine, the wine makers do it all the time.

32. August 16, 2007

    Chris Kov

    I can not believe the amount of knowledge that I have been able to learn from you. I had tried to find and gather information in the past, however it was just way to dry and I would trail off without learning much. The format that you bring keeps me engaged and I actually learn something.
    QOTD – Skydiving. Trying to get over the fear of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.

33. August 16, 2007

    Seth

    Gary Vay-(mix)-ner-chuk, nice show buddy. Always appreciate the little bit of wine education, puts you in the same class as Lamar Burton from Reading Rainbow!

34. August 16, 2007

    Neil

    QOTD: I’d do a lot more painting than I’m able to. Balancing life, family and work have taken a big chunk of time away from the creative side of my brain. Yeh, I’d like to crank out a lot more canvasses. The gfood thing is I’m still young enough to make it happen.

35. August 16, 2007

    Sassodoro

    Yeah! Really cool with the blending action.

    QOTD: Do something in the wine biz.

36. August 16, 2007

    KenP

    Fun ep, GV .

    QOTD: Living and making wine near Barcelona and finishing my book.

37. August 16, 2007

    Karl Laczko

    Thank you Gary, in my ignorance I did not know that Fume Blanc was a Cali invention, education appreciated.

    QOTD – Still thinking about it, will let you know one day.

38. August 16, 2007

    Autoproxy

    The mixing of the Fume Blancs was hilarious. There have been so many times I’ve wanted to mix some wines at wine tastings…but rumor has it that that would be uncouth.

    QOTD – Regrets, I’ve had a few…but then again, too few to mention. No, that’s not true. I regret not living forever. Yet.

39. August 16, 2007

    drew

    YES! Top 33. Awesomeness.

40. August 16, 2007

    Randy

    Gary, I *love* the Fume Blanc. Never have tried the CSJ, even though they’re right up the street from me in Kenwood. We had been regular visitors to CSJ over the years, but then it seemed in ‘01 that they were getting a bit too snooty for our tastes and we quit giving them our business. I guess I could forgive and forget, as long as the Fume is cheap and good, eh?

    Safe trip to Idaho!

41. August 16, 2007

    Winosaurus

    I received this link today from Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

    Q&A with Gary Vaynerchuk
    Internet’s wild child of wine talks about breaking down barriers, Millenial guzzlers and why he eats dirt.
    http://email.winemag.com/servlet/cc5?OLuHQWCQUVhgLKLHjMhhtxPHohhQJhuVaVA

42. August 16, 2007

    John J.

    Huh, I never knew that about Fume Blancs. Look how much we learn on Wine TV! QOTD: I’m too young to have regrets. But I just moved from VA to CA for a girl (ok, maybe the wine country had something to do with it) so ask me again in 5 years and we’ll see if I have any regrets then

43. August 16, 2007

    BK

    QOTD: I have always wanted to make wine, on a level higher than in my basement, I have since my first sip of it. However, packing up and heading to UC Davis just wont work with the whole pay the bills thing, so I guess I will just stick to drinking it.

44. August 16, 2007

    GrapeStuff

    QOTD: I want to go into space. Might take awhile, but hopefully I’ll get to someday.

45. August 16, 2007

    Randy

    QOD: So many regrets. I still strive to produce my own wine podcast (even though that’s been co-opted by being a radio host for a wine show, I hope you can forgive me). I’ve also been looking for about seven years at making beer and wine for a living, a dream I’m starting to realize as I start classes at Napa Valley College in their viticulture department.

46. August 16, 2007

    Fred

    .2 * dime =
    QOTD: You’re looking at it Gary,, the stuff I sent you (among other design projects). Designing great stuff and evading the daily grind, (while finding a way to go-kart and have great food and wine). Oh, and I’m a Gi joe guy, sorry, no T-cats,, I’ll see who’s got em though.
    Cheers!

47. August 16, 2007

    Eric A.

    QOTD: I regret losing my yoda action figure. I even had the cane and the little snake. Little green dude is worth a fortune today.

48. August 16, 2007

    t_moderne

    While I’m not a big fan of white wines, I do like the Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc.
    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=51820
    Usually a nice crisp, easy-drinking wine.

    QOTD: To be on Conan and have him eat dirt and suck on his sock. No No wait – to corner the market on Thundercat figures. No No wait – to have the coolest web based show on wine. No no wait – to have a loyal following of people that are named after me… no no wait – ah faggedabout it – can’t come up with anything.

49. August 16, 2007

    aLOS

    I have always wanted to learn how to paint with watercolor paints, as well as learn to speak Japanese.

50. August 16, 2007

    lifestooshort

    heh!! I love the wine combo! cool!! I do that stuff too. It’s fun! Iconoclasm is fun! Question authority and eschew the obfuscators! QOTD: Living abroad; I think we should walk the walk, not just talk to the talk, when it comes to embracing other cultures. Good show, Mr. G.

51. August 16, 2007

    Bossman

    Bringing the Thunder today Gary, nice level of energy. As has become the norm at WLTV, I learned something new today without being bored to tears.

    I’m a little perplexed at the definition of fume/smokey relating to the fog and then to hear you say that the Ferrari Carano had a nose that was a little more smokey, I guess I might understand it better with a glass in front of me (which BTW contains Caves Des Papes Clos L’oratoire Chateauneuf Du Pape 2004, outstanding stuff, never would have found it without you’re prodding to try new things).

    Gary have your borscht! Bubby, if you don’t have your borscht they’ll be no Zapianka z Jablykami or Kisiel afterwards!!!

    Nice philosphy on balance and being true to yourself with the 31 yr old male seeking Thundercats analogy.

    Changing the wine rules indeed, you could’ve just quaffed the spit bucket, you know.

    QOTD: Fine advise in the comments, youngin’s take heed from another who went down the path of a stable, reliable livlihood to do right by the family at the sacrifice of personal fullfillment. Explore your options, find your passion and go for it, the rest will come. For me, with any luck the youngest will be out of college in 6 years, I can sell the McMansion, do a little traveling and then go into something food related just doing it for the enjoyment, the fulfillment and for myself! Hopefully before I croak.

    If you don’t at least lurk in the forums, you might want to check at Facebook today but you didn’t hear that from me.

    Speaking of which what happened to the Shrub bobblehead and bee-lush, did they go for a dip in the bucket?

52. August 16, 2007

    Orion Slayer

    Fumé Blanc: Maybe I would like this style of Sauvignon Blanc. The others taste too much like white Zinfandel to me. Thanks for another cool episode, Gary.

    QOTD: To learn another language and create a blog about a budding wine lover.

    (No football regrets, Raiders fans are completely happy!)

53. August 16, 2007

    corebigg

    Great show Gary! Learned alot today, plus sauvignon blanc is my fav wine!!! I have tons of unfinished goals, one being helping my winery be more in the big markets of the wine world.

54. August 16, 2007

    Bossman

    Shrub=Schrute (Rove on the mind today, the puppet master takes one step back from responsibility but still pulls the strings).

55. August 16, 2007

    Vinsant

    G man, thanks for another great show. Can’t drink reds all the time?! Loved Gary’s blend at the end, someday I would like a Vinsant blend of my own (QOTD). Love the Semillon/Sauv Blanc blends coming out of Walla Walla (Buty and Dunham), great with food! Let em’ sit for a few years and the evolve wonderfully.

56. August 16, 2007

    yowens

    Thats interesting Gary, everyone has always told me that Fume blanc was Sav blanc that was oaked, now I know better. I bought a few of the St Jean Fume blanc’s last year and really liked them. QOTD: I’d say long term is to get a family goin

57. August 16, 2007

    Sonnenuhr

    Gary – Fume Blanc?!?

    QOTD, Just one bottle of 1982 or 1985 Château Mouton Rothschild….

58. August 16, 2007

    Bill Luby

    Good episode. I particularly enjoy that you seem to be ramping up the informational content over the past week or so.

    Regarding Sauvignon Blanc, I recently had a Gary Farrell 2005 Redwood Ranch SB that I thought was one of the best Cali SBs I have had in a long time, even thought it did have more than a little oak. Definitely worth checking out and as good or better than any of GF’s better known pinots and chards.

    QOTD: One of these days I really need to learn how to paraglide, so I can jump off a mountain and have a leisurely airborne trip down.

59. August 16, 2007

    Freddy

    qotd: travel more, climb the seven peaks, scuba dive off the great barrier reef, learn more languages

60. August 16, 2007

    Chris C

    GV: Nice show on the Fume Blancs. I was dissapointed to see Ferrari Carano not bringing the thunder in the 2006 vintage. I have enjoyed earlier vintages of theirs.

    QOTD: I would like to own my own wine shop. That way I could personally help in the effort to change the wine world a person at a time. Having a vineyard in Napa/Sonoma or New Zealand would be great as well.

61. August 16, 2007

    Renee Anderson

    Castoro Cellars in Paso Robles does a nice inexpensive Fume Blanc, easy to find at least here in California, Trader Joe’s carries it (and some other CC wines too).

    QOTD: I’ve always been sad and somewhat embarrassed that I only know English. I speak a little Cali-Spanish but have always wanted to speak Italian.

62. August 16, 2007

    Lars

    QOTD: Why have any regrets. If it were to end today, I feel pretty good about it all.

    Vunderbar (W) episode. Knew the RM invention of Fume Blanc story, but it is a good one to hear again. He is a gentle GIANT. Thanks RM for bringing the thunder to a lot of good juice. Don’t ya know.

63. August 16, 2007

    GottaGoDrink

    QOTD- To live in Italy. Still might be doable!

64. August 16, 2007

    JC

    QOTD: Go scuba diving! See Ireland in September. Be a winemaster. …

65. August 16, 2007

    hugh

    QOD: Play guitar….then jam with Mike McCready…..

66. August 16, 2007

    Eric

    QOTD: Quit working for other people.

67. August 16, 2007

    Dave Grega

    Great show GV….Honestly I have never wanted anything more in this life than the oportunity to be a great father to my son or daughter….that’s it…I know that right now isn’t quite the time for me to be having kids but when the time is right that’s when I’ll go for it…yep just being a good father like my dad was to me….

68. August 16, 2007

    Lawrence Leichtman

    Well, I had the 2005 Ferrari Carrano Fume blanc last night with fried shrimp. With food it was much more pleasant than by itself so maybe trying the fumes with food could change your opinion. I did not get the big oak you did Gary and I am pretty oak sensitive though I did get some. My only thing I haven’t done is continue to play guitar in a band. I quit playing with bands about 10 years ago and have regretted it since and now can’t really find anyone to gig with.

69. August 16, 2007

    Bill-Milano

    QOTD: As much as I love wine, I love cycling even more. In September I will climb the Passo dello Stelvio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stelvio_Pass) on my bicycle. It should be awesome.
    Ciao,
    Bill

    P.S. Can we post html in here? Stelvio Pass, or do you have cross site scripting under control?

70. August 16, 2007

    Palmer

    “I can’t be upset with anything that throws this many cucumbers at my grill piece.” Neither can I Gary, neither can I.

    The Fume Blanc story is an interesting one that I heard a little twist on at Grgich Hills on my last trip to Napa. They’ll tell you that although it was Mondavi who wanted to re-brand Sauvignon Blanc because they weren’t selling, it was Mike Grgich (Mondavi’s wine maker at the time) who actually crafted the Fume Blanc style.

    QOTD: No regrets, but I’ve got a list of things to do before I die that starts with playing golf at St. Andrews.

    What’s going on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles everyone? I’m touring Santa Rita Hills on Saturday – maybe I could bring back a truckload of Pinots for a Vayniac event. Who’s with me?

71. August 16, 2007

    Jiah

    again, such a great show! learning more everyday.. you rock.

    QofD: getting into wines earlier – BUT i am aware that i am still young and appreciate that i still have the opportunity to grow into it.. not that age is a barrier, but in the next few years i would like to ‘grow a palate’.

72. August 16, 2007

    Bill-Milano

    Good job, keep it safe!

73. August 16, 2007

    Campinglisab

    QOTD: Hmmm…Since beating cancer I have embraced life and tried really hard not to let things go…but what would it be…I wish I had the chance to travel the world (I mean EVERYWHERE,,,not just the few places I’ve been to) meet people , create friendships and just basically spread the joy!

    By the way I LOVE FUME BLANC. My favorite is Mondavi’s!

74. August 16, 2007

    Elliot Essman

    Great move with the spontaneous blend. I’m very surprised that’s the first time you tried this. This might be the basis for an entire episode.

75. August 16, 2007

    Robin

    I’ve never heard of a thundercat before. Is there some sort of story that goes with it?

    I just had some Flora Springs Soliloquy, sauvignon blanc, and although my husband has turned to New Zealand sb’s exclusively, I though it was nice to have something a little more subtle for a change.

    QOTD: I had promised myself that I would write – fiction – and this is a good reminder to start.
    Also, I was reminded how much I regretted having dated my good friend’s husband, although it was before either he or I ever met her. I thought he was a goof, and was telling her this amusing story about our date when she recognized some physical characteristics I was describing and said that that might be her new boyfriend. I back-pedalled quickly and denied a similarity. Now they’re getting divorced and neither he nor I have ever acknowledged meeting each other and it’s sort of the divorce of the century, and I just have an uneasy feeling about it.

76. August 16, 2007

    Jon B.

    Fume blanc will be explored more in the near future. Great episode. QOTD there is a thing that sits in my bread basket and will happen before my days are done and that’s an intense need to travel and explore the world to take in all its sights and smells and wonders. Thanks GV and WLTV crew.

77. August 16, 2007

    TagWorld Brian

    QOTD: Travel more, try some of those pricey pricey winezes – like the D’Yquem, and… that’s about it. I don’t have many regrets. Things are okey dokey overall.

78. August 16, 2007

    Harley Stan

    Great episode as always. I was wondering if you could post the address where you would like your thundercats sent to.
    QOTD- Start working for myself, I still have plenty of time I just need to do it.

79. August 16, 2007

    Joseph Rones

    I’m a lurker. But, its fund to watch. Thanks.

80. August 16, 2007

    Jennifer

    I don’t want any borscht either!! ..Terrific.. show, GV. QOTD: 1) write something important; 2) act; 3) get married. I still intend to tackle all of those in some capacity.

81. August 16, 2007

    Pastore

    First off… GO COLTS!!
    Now that I have that out of the way, good info on a wine I have rarely tried.
    QOTD: Gotta see more of the world!!

82. August 16, 2007

    jason

    maybe a little fume blanc VS. it’s french counter part??
    QOTD: travel to asia and save some lunch money to drink some dynamo burgundies and all the other good stuff. i am with Jen, just tackle it. my old prof, said the only thing he regrets is the stuff he did not do. me, i am moving to switzerland tomorrow… bye bye france. i am surely going to miss La France. la suisse is next door, more selection outside of the french wines. i might start drinking spanish and italian wines again. it is my birthday tomorrow too. maybe i will open a bottle of 98 priorat rather than a french bottle.
    next time

83. August 16, 2007

    Marc Mc

    QOTD: I want to make some wine. Been thinking about Crushpad, but I don’t know what I would do with 25 cases of 1 wine from one vintage. Maybe we should have a WLTV group do 1 wine, one or two caes a piece, and Gary could give his opinion!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Message me if you want to do something, thanks, Marc

84. August 16, 2007

    SteveW

    #73 WOW, maybe someday I’ll make it to the top 10.
    I’ve blended allot of wine over the years. Basically taking two bad wines and trying to create one o.k. wine. If I have an older wine that has lost most of its fruit I a may add some younger wine of a similar varietal to it.

85. August 16, 2007

    wolfie

    wow gv, gettin’ deep for the qotd! i’ve got something sitting there too, but i haven’t figured out exactly what it is yet. i wanna do SOMETHING… an i kinda am doing something, but it doesn’t feel like THAT something, you know? but i’m not 31 yet, so i’ve got time…

86. August 16, 2007

    Scarred1

    Great show Gary. The education and energy are very nice. 13 days til school starts?

    QOTD: No regrets. I’ve achieved more than I would have ever guessed I would. There are many places that I’d like to visit yet. I have wanted to master a second language – it is getting harder as I get older. Lots of little thing left to do.

    Thanks.
    John

87. August 16, 2007

    matt

    Great show
    You are totally punk rock, in the best way.
    The fact that people will be appalled by you mixing two wines is terrible enough. It’s just wine, and I agree with you that you’ve got to have fun with it.
    That’s why I watch anyway.

88. August 16, 2007

    C.W. Miller IV

    Great show, Gary!

    I think they say that rules are meant to be broken, or something like that. Especially stupid, artificial ones created by the elitist, unchanged wine world crew.

    We appreciate your impertinence.

    AotD: The dream is to retire to a nice piece of land, with a small cottage, raise goats, and produce artisan goat’s milk cheese.

    I still haven’t figured out *where* in the world this piece of land will be yet, but I’ve still got a few more years (read: 30 or so) before that becomes a serious concern.

    Take’er easy, brother.

89. August 16, 2007

    C.W. Miller IV

    Dude! Spell checker screwed up I meant “impudence” NOT “impertinence”.

90. August 16, 2007

    Totte

    Chuk .

    I bought the Mondavi 04 Fume Blanc out of curiousity for some $30. Not worth the money at all. Will seek some F. blancs out in New York to try in my hotel room

    QotD : Finding peace in life. I´m between everything and just work too much.

    K-real

    Swedish T

91. August 16, 2007

    JonE

    I don’t know if my heart is broken, or I’m smiling like the Grinch. Good shake up G-Man, turned me on my bum.

    QOTD: France

92. August 16, 2007

    Zach

    Another great episode GV. I love how you’ve been concentrating on the wines recently and dropping lots of knowledge along the way. KEEP EDUCATING US!

    QOTD: Learn to play an instrument well.

93. August 16, 2007

    Dominus

    “You and a little bit of me . . .”

    Sitting here trying a trio of whites that are quite good from your most recent shows.

    QOTD: Before I die, I want to attend all of the tennis Grand Slams and the only one left is the Australian. So, it’s Australia for me. And, as I see before me, play an instrument and learn a language fluently, preferably German.

    Auf Wiedersehen

94. August 16, 2007

    Hazzmaticus

    from wikipedia …

    In North America, California is the leading producer of Sauvignon blanc with plantings also found in Washington State and on the Niagara Peninsula and Okanagan Valley in Canada. In California wine produced from the Sauvignon blanc grape is also known as Fumé blanc. This California wine was first made by Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi Winery in 1968. Mondavi had been offered a crop of particularly good Sauvignon blanc grapes by a grower. At that time the variety had a poor reputation in California due to its grassy flavor and aggressive aromas. Mondavi decided to try to tame that aggressiveness with barrel agings and released the wine under the name Fumé blanc as an allusion to the French Pouilly-Fumé. The usage of the term is primarily a marketing base one with California wine makers choosing which ever name they prefer. Both oaked and unoaked Sauvignon blanc wines have been marketed under the name Fumé blanc. California Sauvignon blancs tend to fall into two styles. The New Zealand influenced-Sauvignon blanc have more tropical fruit undertones with citrus and passion fruit notes. The Mondavi-influenced Fumé Blanc are more rounder with melon notes.

95. August 16, 2007

    Carlo

    Now I’m confused. I always thought that the fume in Pouilly Fume was because of the wine’s smoky characteristic. This is the first time I’ve heard of the fog aspect.

    QOTD: I want to live in Europe!

96. August 16, 2007

    Kate & Rob

    Excellent episode, Gary!
    We’re scouring the bargain bins for your Thundercat glory.
    QOTD: Rob – my dream project is in the works now and it feels great! At the age of 23, I’m feeling proud and pretty damn lucky.
    I’m also lucky to have found someone to teach me what the hell wine is!

    QOTD: Kate – teach myself to sew clothes, grow lots of my own veggies, and go to law school or get an MBA!

97. August 16, 2007

    Cristina

    Lurker weighing in: loved this ep!

    QOTD: Live in Italy

98. August 16, 2007

    Marc

    Thanks for attempting to blend the two Fume Blancs! Keep stepping out of the box Gary!

99. August 16, 2007

    saintmoz

    GV loved what you did mixing those two wines, they’re ten bones a piece so why not have fun with them, wines meant to be fun.

    QOTD: Make it to Vegas and play poker at Binions

100. August 16, 2007

     Ken B.

     Gary,

     I have not had Fume Blanc in sometime; so I’ll give it a try.

     QOTD: Regret I didn’t go to law school; but the world is probably better off that I didn’t. I have been to Europe, but I would like to see the Far East. I had a chance to go to Israel earlier this year; but couldn’t work it out.

     Thanks!

101. August 16, 2007

     Gree

     QOTD : I should have stayed in college , maybe then I could be vacationing in Tuscany like I want to.

     G

102. August 16, 2007

     Corvette Tony

     QOTD: The one thing I’d love would be to get a ride in an F-15, F-16 or F/A-18 fighter!

103. August 16, 2007

     Cam

     QOTD: I’ve always been a pretty good writer, and I know I’ve got a novel in there somewhere. Just waiting to find the right words.

104. August 16, 2007

     amgryger

     My two cents to everyone who wants to live in Europe is DO IT! I lived in Rome for 6 months and it was such a personally enriching experience that it doesn’t even matter to me that I will be paying for it for many years to come.

     QOTD: Someday I want to make a film.

105. August 16, 2007

     Brendan McGuigan

     Good episode, Gary. Not a huge Fume Blanc fan in general, but I’ve found a few I liked.

     QOTD: A good few hundred acres up here, plant five to ten of them with vine, plant another twenty with fruit trees, invite ten or twenty of my closest to come live there with me, and live in Arcadia forever more.

106. August 16, 2007

     TimF

     What’s fume mean?

     Hence? Anne Hence?

     I’ve had that St. Jean and liked it.

     You donate the contents of the spit bucket to a homeless shelter, right?

     Oilness? Smells old like Grandma?

     You wouldn’t shut up about the unoaked Chard the ENTIRE TRIP. It was Twilight-Zonesque.

     Partial barrels? Partially cool.

     Do it for mommy.

     How do you properly analyze the wines color in a glass with etching?

     Is the ‘S’ on the ‘SOON’ getting bigger?

     You’re chasing a red herring with the Thundercats.

     Grill piece? Is that anything like your cod piece?

     Winemaker GV? Don’t quit your day job.

     QOTD: Left the country.

     You should do a Jack Palance imitation from Ripley’s Believe It or Not on the next show.
     “Whether they like it… or not”

107. August 16, 2007

     Shotgun

     Gary you were just at Spottswoode, and you had wonderful wonderful Cabs there (and I hope you got to ride in Mary’s little electric car)– but you no doubt also tasted their superb Sauv Blanc, of which there is a small percentage (I want to say about 20%) of French oak barrel fermentation. They also use the new cool biodynamic-zen concrete eggs for some of the SB. Now please tell me that there is not some role for contact twixt Sauv Blanc juice and oak tree. And by the way, the world’s most sublime SB’s are not from the Loire, but from Bordeaux, where, with a touch of oak and semillon, exquisite whites are born.

     QOTD– I don’t like to think in terms of “regrets” so much as incomplete or not-yet-started projects. Reading “Don Quixote” in the original Spanish. Fly-fishing for bonefish in the Florida Keys or Bahamas. Breaking 70 in a round of golf (in another 10 years I can start thinking about “shooting my age”). Seeing my daughter married to the man of her dreams. And my son to the woman of his dreams. As I have learned from my friend Gary V., what is more important than family?

108. August 16, 2007

     Rich

     You go Gary!!

     Cheers!
     Rich

109. August 16, 2007

     Grape Expectations

     Wow! Fume Blanc. That takes me back. On one of my very first business trips to San Francisco back in the early 70s (no we didn’t have to travel by covered wagon!!)I was taken to dinner at the North Beach Restaurant and had Mondavi Fume Blanc with grilled seafood. It might have been my first REAL wine (because Annie Greensprings doesn’t count, right?) and I have always had a fondness for it.

     QOTD: Je ne regrette rein. Well, that’s not quite true. I regret not having lived in Italy. I suspect it’s too late, but maybe not.

110. August 16, 2007

     wmole

     Thanks for clearing that up Gary, great show.

     QOTD: A vineyard producing great fruit, the knowledge and a place to make it into great wine, long table for dinners with GV, friends and fam,a wine cave, folks to love it for it’s great qpr and a GV 91+, or, Mr. Elizabeth Hurley.

111. August 16, 2007

     tarheel17

     Gary – Loved the wine-mixing. In my experience, that always makes the wines taste much, much worse. But kudos for you for doing what we’ve all tried before, and for all the world to see. Any loser that calls you ‘unprofessional’ or other negative adjectives for that (or anything else you do) just doesn’t get it: Wine is for EVERYBODY, and once in a while, EVERYONE gets curious as to what a blend of two wines would taste like.

     QOTD: I have always wanted to go on a backpacking trip somewhere remote, for several weeks. Still can – my knees aren’t shot yet!

112. August 16, 2007

     Ferrigno

     QOTD: SO MANY THINGS! SO SO SO MANY…

     great episode, of course i’d love to a see this battle next, pouilly fume vs sancerre…..

     sooooooo I’m guessing no sherry….

113. August 16, 2007

     Jules

     Funnily enough I have a couple of New Zealand Fume Blanc’s that date from the eighties. As for your comment about the ’smoke’ I often find subtle smoky charicteristics in those oaked or partially oaked Fume’s. If you are looking for a great Kiwi example try Te Mata’s Cape Crest (has a hint of Semmilon and Sauvigion Gris as well).

114. August 16, 2007

     Jules

     Funnily enough I have a couple of New Zealand Fume Blanc’s that date from the eighties. As for your comment about the ’smoke’ I often find subtle smoky charicteristics in those oaked or partially oaked Fume’s. If you are looking for a great Kiwi example try Te Mata’s Cape Crest (has a hint of Semmilon and Sauvigion Gris as well so could almost be described as Kiwi Graves as Hugh Johnson did in a recent Decanter). And Sauvignon Blanc does need oak – just not too much. A lot of Marlbough producers are experementing with old oak which give the wine a finer textural component and make them much more elegant and food friendly without giving them an oaky note. Try Mahi ‘Francis Vineyard’ or Craggy Range ‘Raupara Road Vineyard’. Anyway great show.

115. August 16, 2007

     H-Why

     Mix it up! Okay, I never thought I would see that on WLTV. It’s actually something that I’ve wondered about concerning wine making. After all, isn’t that how they make wine that is a mix of several grape varietals? I guess it is just done typically in larger containers.

116. August 16, 2007

     addamms3

     I had heard the origen of the fume-blanc name several years ago. When you started out with the history of the name, I was on tenterhooks to see if the version you gave was the same. It was.
     QOTD: No real regrets, I’ve lived in foreign countries, tried an early career and now am doing something that others in my field envy.

117. August 16, 2007

     Mag the Packer's Fan

     Sounds stupid, but if I could accomplish anything in my life, if I could get one thing done, I would like to see Joe Namath in pantyhose one more time…

     Fumes nothswithstanding.

118. August 16, 2007

     michelle

     Interesting as usual, since I have been watching your show, my wine consumption has doubled I think. At least it’s good for the heart. Also, I think Gary, you should come to Québec for “des lessons de Français”, you can pay me in wine, pas de problème.

     QOTD: Right now, I regret not travelling more before I had my 3 children( I thought I would do it after university, but had my first baby during). Now they are 5, 7 and 8 and my travel is basically to work and soccer. But, in the process, my husband and I made 3 great travelling companions for the futur, so it’s o.k.

119. August 16, 2007

     Malphas

     The one thing I’ve always wanted to do, eh? Strangely enough, there’s a few.

     I’ve always wanted to fly an airplane.
     I’ve always wanted to go skydiving.
     I’ve always wanted to enjoy a nice merlot while skydiving off of an airplane.

     OH! Here’s a very crazy suggestion that I’ll offer since I owned NO ThunderCats as a child:

     How about somebody in Wine Library persuading Larry Kenney (voice of Lion-O) to do a voiceover intro for the Thunder Show?

120. August 16, 2007

     Darlene O.

     Great episode, Gary! QOD: My apartment in Paris. (However, that’s in the making….)

121. August 16, 2007

     Darlene O.

     Great episode, Gary!! QOD: My apartment in Paris (however, that’s in the making…)

122. August 16, 2007

     nougat

     Benchmark episode today my man! Mixing those wines was such an awesomely organic experience. Well done I say!
     You hit the nail on the head with your commentary about NO OAK IN FRIGGIN SAUVIGNON BLANCS. Can’t agree with you more Gaz. We have enough oak already, why mess with something so pure and correct.
     QOTD: I recently bought my first set of drums and sat in on a song with a band that was playing at a party. I want to start a band!

123. August 16, 2007

     Nesto

     QOTD: Write: a novel, a how-to book, and a comedy.

124. August 16, 2007

     Chris

     hey man, watching your sea smoke episode right now, and I realized you called me out as a lurker! So here’s my first comment of many to come, I wish every podcast host could be as enthusiastic about their topic as you are, you’re truly gifted at hosting and also probably the funniest host I have ever seen.. keep doing what you do

125. August 17, 2007

     drew

     Just a comment on your closing line because it has to be said. Don’t think for a SECOND that we haven’t noticed the new closer. Personally, for me, for my palate, for what I’m into, I never much cared for the “…we’re changing the wine world, aren’t we”. Your new tag is indicative of the revolution that is brewing. I’m not entirely sure you truly realize the part you’re playing in this revolution. People’s attitudes towards wine ARE changing, that’s a fact. Revolutions start small and they take some time to reach the point to where people really take notice, and they even take a longer time to get to where they need to be. But we will get there. Period.

     My point. “We’re changing the wine world whether you like it or not”. I hope you know how right you, and I, and everyone else around here, really are.

     Thunder? It’s more like Lightning. Thunder is all auditory, all sound with no action. Lightning is that which is feared. Lighting is action. Lightning is lethal. So, is there such thing as Lightning Cats? I dunno. If there was, I would send you some. ;]

126. August 17, 2007

     Grapedigger

     Actually I did not know that Fume blanc = Sauv blanc!! Thanks for the info. G.
     QOTD: I’ve always wanted to go do a 1 week wine tour in Bordeaux region and never got a chance yet…
     Cheers..

127. August 17, 2007

     flippy

     I love the Vaynerchuk house blend!

     QOTD: I have a screenplay I started a couple of years ago, and while I can pretty much see the whole storyline from beginning to end in my head, I’m really avoiding writing it out. If I don’t do it I think I’ll regret it.

128. August 17, 2007

     Jerry Chacon

     Regrets (QOTD): I never learned how to surf (and I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mts.) and I never learned how to play a musical instrument. Will I do either? Who knows…I just purchased a skateboard this last Monday (landyacht) and I am married to an opera singer who has, in the past, taught nearly every instrument type out there (ah, but can I learn from my wife?…eek…there’s a challenge to my pride/ego…I better let that one go pretty soon).

129. August 17, 2007

     Jessica L.

     QOTD: live on a sailboat for at least a year in the Mediterranean and live/work abroad for at least 1 year.
     Just came from a great Croatian wine tasting!
     Gary, as usual, thanks for bringing the thunder.

130. August 17, 2007

     Chris Voigt

     I never made it to Churchill

131. August 17, 2007

     Matt the Lurker

     QOTD – buying a 55 bottle wine chiller when I could have had a 2000 btl. Doh!

132. August 17, 2007

     Mason

     Great show, thanks for the Fume tasting notes.

     QOTD: My wife and I would like to move, or actually relocate one day, and when we do, I would love to design my own home complete with all of the usual amenities, but mainly, a huge kitchen and a wine cellar custom designed by me. Yeah…..

133. August 17, 2007

     vibemore

     good episode.

     qotd: I want to take my wife to Italy and France.

134. August 17, 2007

     Jx

     QOTD: I’ve never been to a winery. I’ve been drinkng the stuff and enjoying it for over a year now, but because I live in the state of Wyoming and dont have a lot of money for travel, I’ve never had the good fortune to visit an actual winery.

135. August 17, 2007

     Wikd

     The best Pouilly Fume I’ve ever had in my life was barrel fermented and by Didier Dagueneau from the Loire Valley. And as said above Mondavi’s original fume blanc was barrel fermented.

     Some of the finest SBlanc in France is barrel fermented. Gary you should state it’s your personal taste they should be stainless steel instead of making an absolute blanket statement oak shouldn’t be used as a treatment for certain grapes.

     I personally don’t care for some vinifiication practices, but I state it’s my opinion and other’s should be able to still have that wine should they enjoy it.

     For many years before your vlog much of the public has been voicing their opinion to California producers that California Chardonnay and now you seem to take credit for these changes seems a bit arrogant.

     So maybe it’s now becoming a little bit of us and a whole lot of you changing the wine world?

     Just saddens me you are taking the power you are acquiring and making such blanket statements against the production practices of such incredible producers such as Dagueneau who worked hard to improve the image of Pouilly Fume.

136. August 17, 2007

     J Crazy

     QOTD: I want to start a soley eco friendly “green” wine import company to Japan and get everyone to stop using F*&)#ng chemicals if they are and spread that not just for wine but for as many products we use and ingest and interact with. I mean why wouldn’t you want to have a cleaner, healthier world? And do the same for sending excellent sake from Japan. Rugged and Raw.

137. August 17, 2007

     thabeav

     Really fun episode. Thanks again.

138. August 17, 2007

     Dusty

     excellent episode. hadn’t heard that about fume. someone once told me it was fume blanc because it was aged in oak and not steel barrells, but you have set me straight. QOTD: the one thing i really want to do (before i die, as they say) is take a wine tour of wine country. i don’t care if it’s napa, oregon, idaho…i just want to go and check out how the “big dogs” do it. and on a random side note, why is Lion-O always about to be body slammed? he’s better than that. you can’t body slam Lion-O. it just doesn’t happen.

139. August 17, 2007

     Capt M

     I love Fume Blanc. Fun episode, thanks!

140. August 17, 2007

     Trucbinouche

     Thanks for clearing the the real reason WHY it’s call Fumé Blanc. I didn’t know that. QOTD: Since I’ve already done the Niagara region vineyards and really enjoyed them, I’d love to go tio France and see and taste where it all started, cause I’m an old world wine fan. Hey Gary, ever thought of doing a beer tasting episode (I’m talking about GOOD BEER). Here’s my QOTD:have you ever tasted a UNIBROUE beer here’s the link http://www.unibroue.com

141. August 17, 2007

     GeneV

     Enjoyed the episode, but you are getting so excited, and almost dogmatic, about the “naked” white wines that you a flirting with doing what you don’t like in the critics–imposing your taste.

     There is a time and place for these easier-drinking wines that went through a little oak and malolactic fermentation. It’s not on my dinner table, but there is definitely a time and place. Frankly, I feel the same way about the “naked” grapefruit-in-the-grassy-catbox New Zealand style. It has its place, but I sure don’t want ALL of the industry to go there either. Though the oak has needed some dialing back, we do need to let California be California!

142. August 17, 2007

     Sarah & A. Schop

     QOTD: Well, we’ve always dreamed of robbing a large liquor store in Springfield, New Jersey…

143. August 17, 2007

     NathanN

     Never knew that Fume Blanc wasn’t a grape!

     QOTD: Life couldn’t be any better. I am happy with the decisions that I have made and am enjoying life. I do always wish I would open my mouth a little more instead of reserving my thoughts and comments.

144. August 17, 2007

     Norman S.

     Gary, I thought Fume Blanc was grown next to the freeway:-)

145. August 17, 2007

     rafi schutzer http://www.KosherCuvee.com

     I blend wines all of the time! I do even weirder things that I’ll tell you about another time! See me at http://www.KosherCuvee.com.

146. August 17, 2007

     t taaffe

     Long time, seldom time.
     Thanks for a great episode.
     Keep doing what you are doing, one cork at a time.
     Great press on Slate and Wine Enthusiast.

147. August 17, 2007

     Shad

     I actually had to log off and then back on after hearing the QOTD. Damn it Vaynerchuk, why are you causing us to think and be reflective?!! The one thing I would like to do is something simple that many Vayniacs have done already or in the process of doing….finish my college degree. It has been a really difficult thing for me, not because I am a complete idiot, but just one of those folks that never enjoyed the whole “school thing”. I want to finish also because that way my son can never say to use against me “well you didn’t finish college”.

     Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a Syrah to attend to.

148. August 17, 2007

     wine lush

     I thought the fume in Pouilly Fume was a result of the limestone silex soil which gave the wine a smell of the smoke from a fired gunflint rifle which the french call pierre a fusil.

     I worked a few hours nerding it up after your episodes which I always do learning more about the wines you presented and I couldn’t find anything relating the name to fog. Could you please send me the name of the text that came from as I need to correct it in my notes.

     Many Pouilly Fumes are barrel fermented which gives it a unique style. I think you might want to attempt to spend some time the producers of Pouilly Fume and particularly with Didier Dagueneau who produces some of the worlds best Loire Sauvignon Blancs from Sancerre and from Pouilly Fume. Many of which are barrel fermented and are capable of many years aging.

     Based on my research last night, I discovered Robert Mondavi’s fume blanc is barrel fermented and has been since he first started producing the wine in 1966. Fume blanc is a style which barrel fermentation is used. A California producer not barrel fermenting or aging sauvignon blanc in barrel should not call the wine fume blanc it should just be called sauvignon blanc. Fume blanc because of mondavi became a California style onto its own.

     Those who know me know I’m not a big California wine drinker and have been quite vocal about the overuse of it’s oak. But I thought really long about this last night and California has developed a distinctive style over the past 40 years while yes is heavy in oak, but it is it’s own style and that style shouldn’t be lost.

     The way you are demanding only specific treatments to be used with certain grapes is reminiscent of the other critics you claim not to be like. You can PERSONALLY choose not to like a certain vinification method but to DICTATE no other way should be used to vinify sauvignon blanc is arrogant. Stainless steel hasn’t been around that long and to disregard traditional barrel fermented practices is irresponsible just because you don’t fancy the taste.

     There are certain vinficiation processes I do not like, but I state the dislike for my OWN opnion, but if others wish to drink them, that’s what they like.

     Be careful of imposing your personal taste and vinficiation demands on our wine. It’s our decision what we ultimately like and do not like in our wine. Otherwise it’s a whole lot of you changing the wine world and the heck with us.

     Sorry to nerd it up. I’m sure I’ll get flamed for disagreeing with you. But I thought changing the wine world meant bringing new people into enjoying both traditional and the new wine styles. To break down stereotypes and snobbish attitudes.

149. August 17, 2007

     VinoVixen

     Thanks Gary…Great show…I always heard Robert Mondavi’s wife went to Sancerre and loved the wines so much….he had to come back to the States and produce his own verses her shipping wine back from France! I also was under the impression Fume Blancs were oaked aged Sauvignon Blancs.
     Thanks for the lesson!
     QOTD: I wish I were 20 years younger…I would go school to study wine…Sommelier/Master Sommelier would be sweet!

150. August 17, 2007

     PNWal

     Great show, Fume Blanc on a hot day, sitting on the porch….eating some cheese….it doesn’t get much more peaceful!

     QOTD: What passion do I have that I haven’t pursued todate? Podcasting/Vidcasting. I’d like to do a show on mobile tech, humor, reasoning: how to respect opinions you don’t agree with, without attacking them personally, and midlife issues – kids, college, retirement.

151. August 17, 2007

     justin

     Once again, an awesome show. Sorry, i don’t have any of my old thundercats, but if i did, you could have them.

     qotd;

     I wish i had a the largest collection of thundercats.

152. August 17, 2007

     mcj

     QOTD: Definitely travel

153. August 17, 2007

     Kevin C

     Thanks for the episode GV. Have to admit though that ever since my first NZ SB I haven’t picked up a Cali SB again, and still don’t think I will. SOO much more too love and for the same price points, and I just shake my head when I see CAkebread at $23 for SB. Thanks but I’ll stick with the Kiwis on this one!

154. August 17, 2007

     Gretchen Crebs

     Prefer Sauv Blanc. Favorite was Canyon Road, but heard the sold the label. Guess I’ll have to pay more and buy Geyser Peak.

155. August 17, 2007

     Iron Man

     QOTD been wanting to write a book.

     and Gary, it’s time to bring back Garyissorry.com cause you’re getting ripped for your OWN personal views on Fume Blanc and the oak monster!!

156. August 17, 2007

     Ken Kovacs

     I’ve never been disappointed by Chateau St. Jean wines and the FB is no exception. We always have a supply of a variety of CSJ wines on hand – good value IMHO.

     I’m always looking for new things to do, so will never get everything done – learn the guitar, drive a NASCAR in the Poconos, travel to Italy, Alaska, Yosemite Park, complete my travels to every US state, buy a muscle car and drive in the Hot Rod Power Tour, and so on.

     It’s really about meeting new people and enjoying new experiences.

     The one common denominator in meeting and dining with people from around the world is wine. Learn about the wines of someone’s country and you learn their geography, climates, and history. It’s a great ice breaker too in first time conversations.

157. August 17, 2007

     Gretchen Crebs

     QOTD: No regrets. Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned, but sometimes what happens instead is better than you could have planned.

158. August 17, 2007

     panoca

     The Chateau St. Jean 2005 is really good. They released the 2006 pretty soon.

159. August 17, 2007

     Grasshopper

     Dry Creek Winery and their Fume Blanc is near and dear to my heart. 17 years ago on my forst trip visiting wineries I went to Dry Creek and fell in love with the Fume Blanc. Had no idea it was Sauv Blanc and thought it was unoaked Chardonnay…Robert Stemmler used to be accross the road and was first introduction to Pinots. Have a signed print from him in our kitchen…..was a fun trip and my first intro to wines and wineries…thanks for letting me travel back….:)

160. August 17, 2007

     tony mahoney

     QOTD: In the late 80’s, when I knew nothing about wine, I managed to buy several cases of the 89, 90 bordeauxs which I stashed away. Now, 17years later I regret not investing in the great vintages since then and that I have just been drinking ordinary wine (not that there is anything wrong with that!). Now I have some great wines that need to be consumed and all my friends are beer drinkers so I have not been able to share the wines as I would like. And, breaking out a bottle for myself is very hard to do. But I going to try and change that since I heard a story about a friend of my wifes husband that was into buying futures. Had all this wine stocked up and drops dead of a heart attack! So, my goal is to get going and consume/share these wines before that happens to me! Great show Gary. BTW I was tasting a Malbec the other nite and my wife walking in and I asked her if she had an old sock that I could suck on! LOL We like the comparisons…..Cheeers, Tony

161. August 17, 2007

     Gator Lurker

     If I’m going to pick up a Fume Blanc, I’d like the fruit. Good job Gary on the Chateau St Jean.

     I have to admit, I watched today’s episode with some old friends from college as we were gathering for a dark beer tasting event in my home. Gary, you are a hit on the plasma. The guest couldn’t get enough of you…we were going in to the archives. Thanks for that.

     As for the question of the day (great question), I don’t leave anything unsaid. Aside from my regular job, I am a football coach in NC and don’t leave anything inside. I love what I do, I love seeing young men mature, and my wife supports me in this endeavor…even though it takes time from us as a couple. There is no time for regrets…do the right thing the first time and sleep well at night.

     Love your show,

     The Gator Lurker

162. August 17, 2007

     Martin

     I want to go to Rome for dinner, with my girl.

163. August 17, 2007

     Suzanne

     I loved this episode!!

164. August 17, 2007

     monkuboy

     QOTD: write a book, have it published, and actually sell a decent amount of copies!

165. August 17, 2007

     SoCal

     QOTD: Being a father…..this will change in March

166. August 17, 2007

     Paula

     I loved this episode – always inspiring and exciting! Great History on Fume!

167. August 17, 2007

     Bobinnati

     Another little piece of wine education. Thanks. QOTD – can’t say for sure that I have anything burning a hole in my soul that just has to be done. I suppose that everyone has the “50 things to do before I die” list, so I definitely have one of those, but there’s nothing just eating at me that I absolutely MUST do. I have been fortunate to have done a lot of things in my life. Some of the things on my list are things like tutor people who are illiterate, be a good grandpappy (someday), take a trip to New Zealand, buy a black, 6 speed 350Z, bench press my own weight, lose 50 pounds (to make the bench press thing easier – LOL), build up a wine collection of a few hundred bottles, learn all about wine, learn how to draw well, get to a single digit handicap in golf – probably not different from a lot of folks. It would be nice to change the world for the better in some way, but I think that will have to be via the “It’s a wonderful life” route vs. direct manipulation.

168. August 17, 2007

     vivaitalia

     I love the mega energy you brought today! I can’t wait to try to st. jean, I really love NZ sauvignon blancs but sometimes there just a little too much for me, if you know what I mean. QOTD: I really want to find A way to get into the wine business in some capacity. I’ve really been acquiring knowledge and my palate is getting really good. It’s become my passion and I think i’d love every minute of it. Only problem is I have no clue where to look or start. I’m gonna start searching harder though. Oh yeah, and i’m trying to locate a very cool piece of thundercats memorabilia for you. I don’t want to say what it is incase I can’t find it anymore.

169. August 18, 2007

     JTS_Brown

     Great show today!

     Interesting selection of wines. Great energy. I almost fell on the floor when you made your blend. I have seen that in my 10+ years of wine drinking and it seemed totally impromptu.

     Been a long time fan of DCV. 7-8 years ago, Frank Dice worked their wine room and there has never been a better ambassador of wine in the tasting room. Frank, wherever you are, you ROCK!!!

     Thing I need to do…I need to get to Yankee Stadium next year to catch a game. I live in SF but I can’t miss that piece of history.

170. August 18, 2007

     JTS_Brown

     also, the comment about “how can I be upset about something that throws this many cucumbers in my grill piece” was absolute classic!!!!

171. August 18, 2007

     Larry

     Great show. Sorry to see that you didn’t care for the Dry Creek Fume Blanc. I used to go out of my way for their Zin’s.

     QOTD: I’d love to be a better cook and also to be fluent in Japanese!

172. August 18, 2007

     wlburk

     I have been waiting soooo long for you to mix 2 wines on WLTV just for the heck of it!

     QOTD: I want to do everything! I want to tour the US playing my music, I want to direct a trilogy of films that I have adapted from a Fantasy Trilogy I love, I want to produce albums and films, and mostly, I want to be recognized as being a great person by everyone who knows me when I die!

173. August 18, 2007

     Julava

     Oh man! A first for this new guy in the wine world…I’ve purchased a wine BEFORE it was even on wine library tv, haha. That’s right, I had the Dry Creek fume a couple months ago. Glad to see I’m picking something of interest out there. Plus I’m always looking for a great QPR.

     QOTD: Two things. First, I want to have a two pack wine deal with free shipping for the CKCs to do a taste-along with Gary Two, and for serious, trace my family roots back as far as I can and maybe even visit some of my countries of origin back there in Europe.

174. August 18, 2007

     Greg B.

     Big G, Great show. Don’t be scared to blend. I remember the France episode where we watched you pick out some varietals to blend and you ended up with big ups from the Head Guy there.

     QOTD: I just want to do more things that inspire me. Like WLTV!

175. August 18, 2007

     wayno da wino

     Yo Gary !!!
     You tell it like it is!!!! Why da heck
     are dose pinheads oakin’-up dat poor
     Fume Blanc??? Enough already!!!!

     QOTD: Beats da heck outta me?!?

176. August 18, 2007

     Brian Richards

     Hey Gary, I consider myself a beer guy who appreciates good wine. I love the show and you get me excited about wine every time I watch. Keep it up buddy. Thunder Cats Ho!!!!

177. August 18, 2007

     exlurkr

     Great show on the Rodney Dangerfield of whites … thanks gv for showing some r-e-s-p-e-c-t. Too bad about the Dry Creek – they are usually pretty reliable and a great place to visit if you’re ever in Sonoma: a nice mellow bike ride out Dry Creek Road … take a picnic … buy a bottle … enjoy the beautiful setting … ahhhhh!

178. August 18, 2007

     Tim T

     Gary- Am so darn glad you finally took two yummy albeit different wines and blended them together due to the apparent shortcomings of each respective effort. I have been performing this magic for no extra charge mind you for family and friends as many years as I can remember where there existed errors of omission in wines and refused to let them stand alone in mediocrity! Have come up with some pretty gosh darn good blends if I do say so myself.

     You, with a little bit of me, we’re changing the wine world (recipes) whether it is appreciated or not…

     QOTD- Become the finest Blend Master this side of the Mason-Dixon line.

179. August 18, 2007

     BobMac

     Love the little wine facts you’ve been throwing in the ‘cast.

180. August 19, 2007

     Dave Canada

     Love the blending……
     I don’t think that I have ever had a Fume blanc……
     QOTD – Hmmm, gotta be making wine my vocation as opposed to my hobby. I’m loking into a Sommalier course to right this wrong!

181. August 19, 2007

     Jeff

     QOTD: I want to open a bed & breakfast.

182. August 20, 2007

     Mike S.

     Gary, I thought of something that I really really really really REALLY like about WLTV when you do it on your show. I like it when you tell us what the wines would be great paired with(meaning food). I belive that is or is more important than the ratings (and I know you have rating issues anyway). Nothing against the ratings, I like the ratings.

     QOTD. I have not opened my own little restaurant yet. Heck, I don’t even work in a restaurant or have ever worked in a restaurant! But Cooking is a passion that ONE DAY, may just happen.

     Mike

183. August 20, 2007

     Andy

     Fume Blanc is really my favorite porch wine — Great value as well.

     QOTD— Go to a Final Four, The World Series & a Super Bowl(the JETS could be playing would not care)

184. August 21, 2007

     YoungDave

     QOTD: Stand-up comedy. I’ll fill that void when I move out to LA this week.

185. August 21, 2007

     Matt from Barossa

     Great Episode Gary, You know, because I e-mailed you and told you, that I don’t have any regrets anymore. Why, because you gave me the courage to take a risk! I studied wine marketing at Uni and fell into the transport / logistic side of things but have now again found the passion to represent the small to medium sized guys and set up my own website. It was U, Mr GV that encouraged me to do this…

     Now one question I must ask is? Who did you wink at halfway through the show?

186. August 21, 2007

     Kathleen

     QOTD: Learn about the finer things in life! I’m learning about wine now, cheese in next, then cigars. I’ve been out of college for ten years, time to study things *I* find fascinating.
     Kathleen Lisson
     Albany, NY

187. August 21, 2007

     Kathleen

     QOTD: Learn about the finer things in life! I’m learning about wine now, cheese is next, then cigars. I’ve been out of college for ten years, time to study things *I* find fascinating.
     Kathleen Lisson
     Albany, NY

188. August 22, 2007

     phermented1

     You’re drinking marketing, plain and simple!
     QOTD: Open a restaurant. It is still in the 10 year plan though.

189. August 23, 2007

     chito

     Gary, loved the combo with the wines. Believe it or not, not all that crazy. Reminds me of high school, when I used to combine colognes to get a smell I really liked. Won’t tell you which ones cuz it will really date me. Great work!!!!

190. August 23, 2007

     Cblukens

     Gary – a bit behind on my WLTVs – but as a lurker (maybe no longer?) I’d like to chime in on this – a very good show.

191. August 24, 2007

     Brandon M

     Whats with the funky font here?

192. August 24, 2007

     bamadog

     A little late but…
     QOTD: Yankees game and/or James Taylor concert. A little odd pairing, but they both only seem to happen in the North East now.

193. October 1, 2007

     Nuno Teixeira

     You keep breaking the rules Gary!!! Screw tradition. That’s why I love your show, and am starting to “love” hating wine. Keep inspiring me!

194. June 3, 2008

     JacobS

     I just tried a fume blanc, the 2006 Mondavi private selection and it was great. I didn’t know it was sauvignon blanc, that’s interesting.

     qotd: some kind of educational technology website, or review blog or something. Grad school and work just take so much time, as well as catching up on all these past episodes.

195. August 5, 2008

     Dessert Wine Nerd

     I do like it, and funny little nugget of info there on the Fume Blanc. Thats something I would never have known without this show. Thank you again and again. Obviously Ive never had one, so I’ll add it to my buy and drink list. QOTD: Falling in love and getting married. I dont need the huge salary or high profile job. I dont need the big car or the decked out house. I dont need big expensive things (ok maybe wine). All I need is someone who loves me and whom I love and Ill be very content.

196. August 17, 2008

     Lau

     I’m going with Dessert Wine Nerd on the QOTD, I couldn’t say it much better myself.

197. March 11, 2009

     Ryan D

     Had the 2005 Dry Creek Valley Fume Blanc today, over a year after this episode aired. This wine is still relatively fresh, and it really shocked me with the age on it that it wasn’t a little more gone. I think I might disagree with you on the window, but I’ll have to see if I can find some of the 2007 Fume Blanc for comparison. Not likely, given the local liquor store had the 2005 still, but I was pleased with it, and given my desire to drink more european wine and white wine in 2009, I think there was really something to like about that bottle. If you still have one laying around, or if there is another one available in town, I would love to see you taste it again sometime.

198. April 7, 2009

     Pangaea

     Just had the 2007 Ferrari-Carano and theyre still oaking it.

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